How State and Local Government Can Push Back Against Fraudsters

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Minnesota government remains under scrutiny over high-profile fraud cases, mainly involving people posing as service providers who get reimbursements through phony billing and a company assisting government agencies describes it as a growing threat.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services plans to redesign a housing stabilization program after shutting it down earlier this month. The agency said it had no choice after suspending payments to dozens of providers based upon credible allegations of fraud.

Aja Brown, strategic impact partner for FORWARD Platform, a company working with governments and nonprofits to deliver benefits, said it is not surprising to hear, noting many state and local governments rely on antiquated monitoring systems.

“With the expansion and sophistication of technology, it’s much easier to create fraudulent documents,” Brown explained.